by Cecile Cinco
Someone in my address book sent me an email and according to her she needs help. I haven’t really heard from her for a long time and when I did, she’s asking for help. At first glance, though, I knew her email address was hacked…and that someone can get scammed. How about the others in her address book who were sent the same email? Below is the screen shot of the email:
Now let’s analyze…
1. The email was sent to herself, which means I was sent a BCC, which means others were sent the same email.
2. She had an URGENT trip to far far away country. She really does go abroad so it does seem real.
3. She has not much time on the pc which means no way to chat.
4. All her money got stolen. She really needs money then.
5. Robbery incident at the hotel (what’s the name of the hotel?)…which could mean she’s not alone that was robbed since…
6. The telephone lines were disconnected (no way to call or be called).
7. She’s restless, hence, the composition of her email may be abnormal.
8. Her mobile phone won’t work where she is so she left her phone. No way to call her. I did try but was unable to connect. She has probably changed her number. We’re not close, by the way.
9. She’s asking for 1,200 pounds. That’s a lot of money and I don’t have that! It’s realistic, though, for her to return home.
10. She’ll refund it back. It’s but right, right? For a hacker, though, that means bye-bye.
11. She’s confused. Bear with her.
12. Send the money through Western Union. No way for dispute. Once the money is sent, in minutes it can be claimed.
13. I forgot to encircle the need for the name and address where the money is to be sent. Does it mean I can’t send it to her own name? Weird. So hacky.
This is the second time I received such an email…from people whose email addresses I know. I knew right away that it was hacked and I told him (the first) that his email was hacked. He confirmed because he could no longer open his email account.
Imagine this: your email got hacked and sent this kind of message to your address book list and several or even just one of them complied and you did not even get back to pay and you’re nowhere to be found…or if the hacker says thanks and bye-bye (in the name of the real person: you)…then you will be tagged as a scammer!
Knowing that such scheme exists is halfway the battle to be won.
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